I asked a group of F1 enthusiasts, which would be their dream destination to watch F1 live. Some lazy bones said I’d only go when India opens its own circuit. Most said Monaco and others said Singapore.

When questioned further the reasons cited brought about some interesting comparisons and contrasts. Monaco: one of the oldest circuits in the season, was inaugurated in 1929. Racing on its narrow streets is rather mockingly likened to riding a bicycle around your bathroom or like Nelson Piquet jested, “like flying a helicopter in the living room!”

For us spectators, the more challenging the circuit the greater the thrill. World Champion Lewis Hamilton was reported to have said that it [Singapore] was twice as hard to negotiate as the more famous Monaco street circuit, and unexpectedly physical – requiring double the amount of energy over a single lap as compared to the Monaco circuit. This was because the roads are rather bumpy and the turns tough to negotiate at such high speeds.

Reigning Champion Lewis Hamilton

The streets of Monaco have always pushed the skills of the drivers to the maximum and now Singapore even more so! Another interesting comparison is with the tunnel in Monaco – a bone of contention, owing to the abrupt shift from light to dark and into light again. Singapore’s circuit gives the same feel – almost – when it ducks under the Bay Grandstand between turn 18 and 19.

While Singapore can’t compare when it comes to Monaco’s history, the newness of its circuit is a definite plus for viewing pleasure. Plus, Singapore’s proximity to India has a definite advantage – yes this is the cold-blooded practical angle. However, it really isn’t all that cold-blooded. The race action is over-heated with all the stress and tentions of the track. AND AND AND… you can’t call any place where Beyonce and Fergie are playing to the crowd cold-blooded now can you! *wink*

Last year was special coz it’s the first year, this year is special-ER because there is so so much more!

So how do we go about getting there? Don’t fret, there are a set of travel packages that have been designed to be completely hassle-free, easy to book and really good deals as well!

Check out the packages put together by Travel Tours on this really helpful website. So for those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their couch until a circuit comes to India. Don’t wait around, coz the last one there is as good as…Badoer! Yup, you heard me!

This past month has been crazy on the circuit of this sport! There has been a spate of mishaps, misadventures, revelations, disappointments!

First it was Surtees’ untimely death. The image of that tyre sailing towards him leaves me shuddering and questioning why I love this sport as much as I do! Then there was Massa, the spring that brought him down sprung the hopes of some hardcore Schumacher fans! Only to have their hopes wounded along with his neck muscles. Or is Schumacher just scared to take a hit on his legendary pride.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m the last one to take away Schumacher’s greatness! Yes, he is a legend, yes there should be a movie made about him and all that, but he is not the sport and never will be! I dare all of you to challenge that. I mean, there were a lot of us who vowed we would never watch the sport after what happened to Senna. His loss is still felt, but the race is still on! The sport is bigger than any driver and will always be. If it wasn’t, it would have been immortalised and revered for its past glories and nothing more!

Despite the furore and dismay at the selection of Badoer to replace Massa, Ferrari has held their stance. His tenure as a test driver does stand him in good stead, but the fact that out of 48 races he hasn’t scored a single point is a sore point, plus he has never raced in Valencia.

The street circuits have set a new standard. Last year, both Valencia and Singapore launched a new street circuit! With Singapore getting an edge over Valencia with the night race angle! I mean think about it, not only is it on the streets you crossed casually a few hours ago AND it’s also under the cover of darkness. Fast and Furious made real!

With Ferrari down to the third spot and Brawn leading – it’s a refreshing change from the monotonous predictability! So for the F1 community there is a lot to look forward to.